27 July 1915

States agree to adopt National Registration Act

During a hurriedly convened session this week, the States agreed to undertake what is in effect a census of the Island’s population.

During a hurriedly convened session this week, the States agreed to undertake what is in effect a census of the Island’s population.

The National Registration Act compels all persons – both men and women – between the ages of 15 and 65 to supply details on their status for inclusion in a central register. Its purpose is to provide the British Government with a complete picture of the nation’s human capacity to wage war. The register will include details on people’s present location, their present work status and the work that they may be capable of undertaking.

Most importantly, the register will show how many men there are currently either not serving in the military or working in a role deemed essential to the war effort. The expectation is that these men will become the direct targets of a future army recruiting campaign.

The States adopted the new act without dissent. Members had received an advanced copy prior to their arrival in the chamber. This hasty step, it seems, was to ensure that Jersey can carry out its registration on the same day as the rest of the country: 15 August.